IN THE CLASSROOM:

Music Specialist Audrey Seidman wants every kid to have the chance to sing or play an instrument.

She works during lunch breaks and after school to give Kaiser Elementary School students in Costa Mesa that opportunity.

“This invigorates my life,” she said. “It really does.”

This year, Seidman’s added a third-grade component to her curriculum to let them have the chance this year to perform music just like their older schoolmates.

Seidman’s colleagues described her as a dynamo who gives everything for her students. About 40 third-graders meet with Seidman weekly on Mondays during lunch as part of a free “performers program.”

While there, they learn the fundamentals of using musical instruments, singing and performing.

This week, the kids practiced percussion with purple and orange “Boomwhackers” — plastic tubes that they rapped on their feet.

The students watched Seidman intently for cues and timing.

They also practiced standing in unison, then rehearsed “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” with arm and marching movements.

“Stand like a singer,” Seidman instructed them. “Imagine your audience is in front of you and smile.”

Vocabulary words on the wall included “crescendo” and “fortissimo.” Another wall held a list of warm-up exercises for choir students — Seidman also teaches choir, beginning and advanced band, and a string orchestra during the school day, as well as guitar after school.

A percussion ensemble gives kids a chance to try out the drums.

“You can’t have that many drummers in an orchestra, but everybody wants to play with drumsticks,” Seidman said. “Our programs have grown from last year. I want an instrument in everyone’s hand.”

Seidman likes to use the elementary classes to help kids figure out which instrument is best for them, likening it to an extension of their body.

“It has to feel right,” she said. “They’ve got to be entranced by it.”

She regularly scouts out new instruments, during a time when school music budgets across the state are bring chopped.

“I look for whatever’s not being used,” Seidman said. “We found some ‘reject’ violins in a closet at the district two years ago.”

She worked to repair and restring them, and lets students play them until they finally fall apart — at which time she salvages their remaining usable parts.

She sees her classes as teaching more than just music; she’s seen some of her older students become extremely motivated learners, finding new songs on the Internet to play.

Seidman said her kids also develop cooperation and build friendships in the program.

“They learn so much more than just music,” she said.

In December, kids from all of Seidman’s programs will perform for their families at a Progress Concert.

“We really show the parents what goes on,” Seidman said — from warm-ups to lesson plans to songs.

In the spring, the third-graders also will participate with the older kids in district events.

Her dream is to extend her program to the middle and high school levels.

“Leaders can emerge, but everyone’s important in class,” Seidman said. “I tell my students — It’s not who is the best, but who does the best.

“Years ago, everyone had fun making music. I want to return to that.”

CANDICE BAKER can be reached at (714) 466-4631 or at candice.baker@latimes.com.